Senga Eyes Return as Mets Face Critical Series
The New York Mets are cautiously optimistic as Kodai Senga aims to make a return before the regular season concludes on September 29. Senga, who has been battling a series of injuries, estimates his recovery is between 70% and 80%. His comeback would be a timely boost for a Mets' pitching staff that has been strained to its limits.
Senga’s 2023 season has been marked by frustrating setbacks. Initially sidelined by a shoulder capsule strain until July 26, Senga's first start back was short-lived as he suffered a high-grade calf strain. These injuries have limited the talented 31-year-old pitcher to just one major-league appearance this season.
Reflecting on last season, Senga was a standout performer, posting a 2.98 ERA across 29 starts, a 2.62 strikeout-to-walk ratio, and an impressive 4.5 Wins Above Replacement according to Baseball Reference. His performance earned him a spot in the All-Star Game, a second-place finish in the Rookie of the Year Award voting, and a seventh place in the Cy Young Award voting. These accomplishments underscore what a significant loss Senga has been for the Mets this season.
The Mets’ starting rotation has been under intense pressure due to Senga’s injuries and other key absences. Paul Blackburn and Christian Scott are currently unavailable, with Scott requiring season-ending elbow surgery. These absences have forced the Mets to rely heavily on their bullpen and less-experienced starters, creating a delicate balance as they navigate through the end of the season.
As it stands, the Mets are tied with the Arizona Diamondbacks for the second wild-card spot and hold a slim two-game lead over the Atlanta Braves. This precarious position heightens the importance of their upcoming three-game series against the Braves, a matchup that could potentially determine the season series tiebreaker and which team advances to the playoffs.
David Stearns, the Mets’ President of Baseball Operations, expressed hope regarding Senga’s return. "If all continues to progress as it is right now, we should see him," Stearns said. His words resonate with a general sentiment of cautious optimism within the Mets' camp.
Should Senga manage to return before the end of the regular season, his presence could provide a much-needed uplift for a team struggling to maintain its playoff contention. The return of a pitcher of Senga's caliber would not only bolster the Mets' rotation but also alleviate some of the burden currently placed on the bullpen.
The Mets’ path to the postseason is fraught with challenges. With critical games on the horizon and their playoff fate hanging in the balance, the potential return of Kodai Senga could be a turning point. Fans and the team alike will be holding their breath, hoping that Senga’s recovery continues to progress favorably and that he can deliver crucial performances when it matters the most.
For now, the Mets will have to navigate through the series against the Braves with the resources they have, relying on their bullpen and less-experienced starters to rise to the occasion. The next few games will be pivotal, not just for their playoff hopes but also to determine the overall trajectory of their season.
With the stakes high and the pressure mounting, all eyes will be on Senga’s progression. His return could very well be the X-factor that propels the Mets into the postseason, adding another chapter to his already impressive career.